People wade through a flooded street after a rainstorm in Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 2. Affirming his closeness to his “beloved Argentine people,” Pope Francis offered his prayers for the victims of recent flooding in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas, and he urged government offices and private citizens to help those most in need. PHOTO: CNS/Enrique Marcarian, Reuters

Affirming his closeness to his “beloved Argentine people,” Pope Francis offered his prayers for the victims of recent flooding in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas, and he urged government offices and private citizens to help those most in need.

Unusually heavy rains in early April caused flash floods and flooding that were blamed for causing more than 50 deaths in and around Buenos Aires — where the pope had been archbishop — and La Plata.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, wrote in a message to the new archbishop of Buenos Aires, Archbishop Mario Aurelio Poli, that Pope Francis was deeply saddened to hear of all the damaged caused by the flooding, was praying for the deceased and wanted everyone touched by the tragedy to know he was close to them.

“At the same time, the Holy Father encourages civil and ecclesiastical institutions, as well as all people of good will, in a spirit of charity and Christian solidarity to provide the necessary help to those who have lost their homes or personal belongings,” the message said. – CNS

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